Holding device and kit

ABSTRACT

A holding device and kit for holding panels of an object. The holding device includes holding brackets which have receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels therein. The holding brackets have holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot. Connecting members extend between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other and maintain the spacing of the holding plates. Wherein the holding device cooperates with the panels to maintain the panels in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a holding device and kit including a holding device. In particular, the invention relates to a holding device and kit used to hold objects such as, but not limited to, when making gingerbread houses or other art, craft or baking projects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction of various arts, crafts and baking objects often require assembling and adhesion of two or more vertical walls together. This type of construction is frequently seen in the assembling of gingerbread houses—a confectionery-based craft.

A large variety of gingerbread house models are known. However, one-person assembly of such gingerbread houses (and other gingerbread-based structures) is typically difficult and cumbersome, especially at the starting stage. Although children are typically the largest target audience of the gingerbread-based industry, most children require adult assistance in the actual assembly of gingerbread-based structures having more than one vertical wall. Even adults typically require a second set of hands to properly build a gingerbread house in a time-efficient manner.

The standard mode of construction of gingerbread-based structures (having more than one vertical wall) typically first requires that the consumer acquire a flat or planar surface upon which to work. The flat surface may be a counter top, but is more typically a flat cardboard slate having a food-grade foil-wrap.

The consumer places two pieces of gingerbread onto the flat surface and bonds them together typically using an adhesive (edible) confectionery icing already known in the industry. Eventually, in the standard gingerbread house construction, the consumer attempts to add a third and fourth vertical wall and attempts to bond them to the previously bonded walls (again using the edible adhesive icing). The icing takes time to dry, and if a consumer lets the walls go too quickly, their construction falls apart. It is impractical for one person or two people to stand in one spot and hold their walls together until the icing dries. This is difficult, time-consuming, frustrating and destroys what should otherwise be an enjoyable food-making experience.

This preliminary assembly step (of gingerbread houses) is often problematic. For example, when the consumer attempts to bond and stabilize all four walls together, the walls typically shift in position (due to uneven pressure applied by the consumer's hands), and this results in a warped-shaped or otherwise unstable and cosmetically unappealing gingerbread house. The latter is particularly disappointing for children.

These difficulties cannot normally be overcome unless the consumer recruits a second individual to assist in holding and stabilizing some of the vertical walls. One-man construction of gingerbread houses is typically time-consuming and generally not an enjoyable experience to all but the most patient. One-man construction is not practical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment is directed to a holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house. The holding device includes holding brackets and connecting members. The connecting members extend between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other. The holding brackets have receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels of the gingerbread house therein. Wherein the panels of the gingerbread house are held in position by the holding brackets of the holding device to allow a joining substance to secure the panels together in the desired configuration.

An embodiment is directed to a holding device for holding panels of an object. The holding device includes holding brackets which have receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels therein. The holding brackets have holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot. Connecting members extend between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other and maintain the spacing of the holding plates. The holding device cooperates with the panels to maintain the panels in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner.

An embodiment is directed to a holding device for holding panels of an object. The holding device includes holding brackets which have receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels therein. The holding brackets have holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot. Connecting members extend between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other and maintain the spacing of the holding plates. The connecting members have first arms which are movably mounted to second arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at various angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets. Wherein the holding device cooperates with the panels to maintain the panels in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of illustrative holding devices positioned on a panel to hold the panel in position at right angles relative to each other.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an illustrative holding device of FIG. 1 showing the holding device with each side of the holding device positioned on panels to hold the panels in-line relative to each other.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an illustrative holding device of FIG. 1 showing the holding device with one side of the holding device positioned in-line relative to other side.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an illustrative holding device of FIG. 1 showing the holding device one side of the holding device positioned at an angle relative to the other side.

FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view of the components of the illustrative holding device of FIG. 1, showing the connecting member and one holding plate.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an alternate illustrative holding device showing the holding device one side of the holding device positioned at an angle relative to the other side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as “top”, “upper”, “lower” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “over” other elements or features would then be oriented “under” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “over” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a system 10 of multiple holding devices 20 is shown. The holding devices 20 are shown in engagement with panels 12 of an object, such as, but not limited to, panels made of gingerbread. The holding devices 20 cooperate with the panels 12 to hold the panels in the desired position until the panels 12 can be secured or bonded together using a joining substance or an adhesive 14, such as, but not limited to, edible confectionery icing already known in the industry. Each holding device 20 maintains the relative positions of the panels 12 as the adhesive 14 or icing dries. As the holding device 20 applies even pressure to the panels, the holding device 20 maintains the panels 12 in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, thereby allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner, facilitating the construction of an object, such as, but not limited to, a gingerbread house.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each illustrative holding device 20 includes two holding brackets 22 which are connected together by connecting members 24. While two holding brackets 22 are shown, other numbers of holding brackets and other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, if four panels 12 are to be joined together, a holding device 20 having four holding brackets 22 may be used.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, each holding bracket 22 has two holding plates 26 which are spaced apart to form a receiving slot 28 there between. In the embodiment shown, the holding plates 26 are in the shape of gingerbread men. However, other numbers of holding plates 26 and other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The holding plates 26 are spaced apart a distance sufficient to allow the panels 12 to be inserted therein, while providing sufficient support to hold the panels 12 in proper position as the adhesive 14 is applied.

Stabilization members 34 may extend from the sides of the holding plates 26 at ends 32. The stabilization members 34 extend in direction away from the slots 28. The stabilization members 34 provide additional surface area which cooperates with a building surface to provide additional stability to the holding brackets 22, thereby allowing the holding brackets 22 to properly stand or support the panels 12 when smaller panels are used. In addition, the stabilization members 34 provide additional structure to the holding plates 26, allowing the holding plates 26 to maintain a rigid structure, thereby maintaining the spacing of the slots 28. Stabilization members 34 may have sloped or angled surfaces 35 which act as a lead-in surfaces to guide the panels 12 into the slots 28.

A mounting member or plate 36 (FIG. 5) extends from each holding plate 26 from an end 38 which is spaced from end 32. Each mounting member 36 cooperates with a connecting member 24, as will be more fully described below. The mounting members 36 can be of various configurations and are not limited to the particular plate shown.

The holding brackets 22 are maintained in position relative to each other by connecting members 24. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the connecting members 24 have holding bracket mounting portions 42, joining portions 44 and arms 46 which extend between the holding bracket mounting portions 42 and the joining portions 44.

The holding bracket mounting portions 42 have openings 48 provided therein for receiving mounting members 36. The openings 48 are spaced apart such that when the mounting members 36 are positioned therein, the spacing of the holding plates 26 relative to each other is established and maintained. The holding plates 26 extend in a direction which is parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The proper spacing of holding plates 26 establishes and maintains the width of the receiving slot 28 over its entire length. The holding bracket mounting portions 42 may fixed relative to each other or may be adjustable to allow the size of the receiving slot 28 to be adjusted relative to the size of the panel 12 to be held therein.

The joining portions 44 are provided to join or attach one connecting member 24 to another connecting member 24. The joining portions 44 may have identical configurations which are mated together. Alternatively, one respective connecting member 24 a may have a male portion or projection 50 which projections from a surface 52 of the joining portion 44 a and cooperates with a female portion or opening 54 which extends through an a surface 56 of the joining portion 44 b of a second respective opening 24 b. Such a configuration allows the joining portions 44 to move, pivot or rotate relative to each other, allowing respective arms 46 and respective holding brackets 22 to be positioned at various or multiple angles relative to other respective arms 46 and other respective holding brackets 22. In such an embodiment, the arms 46 may be rotated between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 360 degrees, allowing the holding brackets 22 to be rotated accordingly, although other ranges of rotation can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Alternatively, each connecting members 24 may be formed in one piece, as best shown in FIG. 6. In such an embodiment the connecting members 24 have holding bracket mounting portions 42 at each end. At least one arm 46 extends between the holding bracket mounting portions 42. In such embodiments, the configuration of the connecting members 24 is fixed, causing the respective holding brackets 22 to be positioned at fixed or defined angles relative to each other, such as, but not limited to, at 45 degrees, 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the holding plates 26 and the connecting members 24 are made or molded as separate or individual pieces. The holding devices 20 are formed by inserting mounting members 36 of the holding plates 26 into openings 48 of the connecting members 40 to form the holding brackets 22. If the connecting members 40 are separate pieces, as described above, the connecting members 40 are joined at joining portions 44 to connect respective holding bracket 22 together. Alternatively, the connecting members 40 may be first joined and the mounting members 36 of the holding plates 26 may be inserted into openings 48 of the connecting members 40.

In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 6, the holding plates 26 and the connecting members 24 may be made as one continuous member.

The holding plates 26 and the connecting members 24 may be made from any material which provides the strength characteristics required to hold the panels 12. Such materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, metal alloys or combinations thereof If the holding devices 20 are to be used for food or consumable items, the holding plates 26 and/or the connecting members 24 may be made from materials approved for use in such applications.

The size of the holding plates 26 and the connecting members 24 may vary depending upon the types of panels to be connected and the size of the panels. For example, larger panels may require longer holding plates 26 or wider slots 28 in order to provide the desired stability to the structure as the panels are bonded or adhered together.

Various holding devices 20 may be packaged together to form a kit. For example, a gingerbread construction kit may include 20 connecting members 24 and 40 holding plates 26 which can be assembled to make 10 adjustable holding devices 20.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house, the holding device comprising: holding brackets; connecting members extending between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other; the holding brackets having receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels of the gingerbread house therein; wherein the panels of the gingerbread house are held in position by the holding brackets of the holding device to allow a joining substance to secure the panels together in the desired configuration.
 2. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 1, wherein two holding brackets are provided on each holding device.
 3. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the holding brackets has two holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot.
 4. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting members have holding bracket mounting portions which cooperate with mounting members of the mounting plates to mount the mounting plates to the connecting members and to maintain the spacing of the mounting plates relative to each other.
 5. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting members have first arms which are fixedly mounted to second arms at defined angles relative to the first arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at defined angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets.
 6. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting members have first arms which are movably mounted to second arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at various angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets.
 7. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 6, wherein the first arms are pivotable relative to the second arms.
 8. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 6, wherein the first arms are movable between a range of approximately 20 degrees and approximately 180 degrees.
 9. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 3, wherein stabilization members are positioned on the holding plates proximate free ends thereof.
 10. The holding device for holding panels of a gingerbread house as recited in claim 9, wherein stabilization members have angles surfaces which act as lead-in surfaces as the panels of the gingerbread house are positioned in the receiving slots.
 11. A holding device for holding panels of an object, the holding device comprising: holding brackets having receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels therein, the holding brackets having holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot; connecting members extending between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other and maintain the spacing of the holding plates; wherein the holding device cooperates with the panels to maintain the panels in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner.
 12. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 11, wherein the connecting members have holding bracket mounting portions which cooperate with mounting members of the mounting plates to mount the mounting plates to the connecting members and to maintain the spacing of the mounting plates relative to each other.
 13. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 12, wherein the connecting members have first arms which are fixedly mounted to second arms at defined angles relative to the first arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at defined angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets.
 14. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 12, wherein the connecting members have first arms which are movably mounted to second arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at various angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets.
 15. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 14, wherein the first arms are pivotable relative to the second arms.
 16. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 15, wherein the first arms are movable between a range of approximately 20 degrees and approximately 180 degrees.
 17. A holding device for holding panels of an object, the holding device comprising: holding brackets having receiving slots dimensioned to receive the panels therein, the holding brackets having holding plates which are spaced apart to form the receiving slot; connecting members extending between the holding brackets to maintain the holding brackets in position relative to each other and maintain the spacing of the holding plates, the connecting members have first arms which are movably mounted to second arms, wherein first holding brackets of the holding brackets are positioned at various angles relative to second holding brackets of the holding brackets; wherein the holding device cooperates with the panels to maintain the panels in the proper position, preventing the panels from shifting during drying and assembly, allowing the panels to be constructed in a stable and visually appealing manner.
 18. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 17, wherein two holding brackets are provided on each holding device.
 19. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 18, wherein the first arms are pivotable relative to the second arms.
 20. The holding device for holding panels as recited in claim 19, wherein the first arms are movable between a range of approximately 20 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. 